Princes William and Harry back U.K. mental health text support

LONDON -- Princes William and Harry and their wives, Kate and Meghan, are joining forces to back a text messaging service to help people experiencing mental health problems.

Their Royal Foundation will provide a 3 million-pound ($3.9 million) grant to back the initiative called Shout.

The service is designed to help people with a wide range of problems including suicidal thoughts, relationship issues and bullying.

William said Friday the service "is free to use, anonymous, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week" and that the text conversations are handled by volunteers who have received online training and are monitored by a clinical team.

William says 60,000 people have already received help from the service.

Both couples have lobbied for better treatment of mental health issues.

I am proud to announce the launch of @GiveUsAShout, a new 24-7 textline that supports people who need advice in a tough moment.

At the heart of Shout will be an incredible national volunteer community — I hope you will join us, and be part of something very special #GiveUsAShout pic.twitter.com/SgeCGtie1q

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 10, 2019

• 

  From left, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex attend the Commonwealth Service with other members of the Royal family at Westminster Abbey in London, Monday, March 11, 2019. (Richard Pohle/Pool Photo via AP)